Women’s Surf & Yoga Retreats with Elana in Morocco, Portugal and Cornwall
If you’ve joined our Secret Morocco, Cornwall Retreat for Women or Portugal trips, you’ll know Elana. Guests love surfing, practising yoga and sharing adventures with her. With interests ranging from spearfishing to astronomy, we had to catch up and learn more.
What’s Lighting You Up Right Now?
Honestly, just the fact that it’s summer! I’m loving being in Cornwall – spending time in the water spearfishing and surfing, going to festivals, having beach BBQs, and heading off on spontaneous van adventures. It’s a great way to live and keeps me inspired and grounded.
I’ve also just started an online nutrition course. I’ve wanted to do it for a while, and I’m excited to expand my knowledge in a subject I care about. I forgot how much I enjoy studying – I’ve always loved learning, especially when it’s something I’m passionate about.
What Song Are You Obsessed With?
Every summer I have The Swimming Song by Loudon Wainwright III on repeat – it’s joyful and all about swimming. This year I’ve also been hooked on Nelly Furtado’s All Good Things. Nostalgia is one of my favourite emotions!
Read Anything Good Lately?
I flew through James Nestor’s books Breath and Deep. Deep is incredible – all about freediving, ocean science and our connection to the sea. Breath is fascinating too, and really changed how I think about breathing. I’ve just started The Science of Yoga, which is hitting all the right notes of science and philosophy.
Where Are Your Favourite Travel Destinations?
My heart is obviously in Morocco and Portugal since I return there regularly to lead Women + Waves trips. I love that I learn and experience something new each time. Delivering yoga in both destinations has become a real passion of mine. Cornwall is my home, but running our Cornwall Surf Camp for Women is always a summer highlight.
Choosing a favourite overall is hard – but South Africa, especially Cape Town, is close to my heart. Being half South African, every visit feels like going home. Surfing, climbing a mountain, and enjoying the city all in one day makes it a pretty epic destination!
Coolest Thing You’ve Watched Recently?
I don’t tend to watch much during summer, but I love the Waterpeople Podcast. Free surfer Dave Rastovich and his wife Lauren chat with fascinating guests – from surfers to scientists and activists. It’s always inspiring and deepens my love of surf culture and the ocean.
Any Apps or Gadgets You’re Loving?
I’ve recently started running and enjoy tracking it with Strava – though I’ve only managed 6km so far, I’ve set my sights on an ultra marathon one day! I’m also really into astronomy, and Sky Guide is one of my favourite apps. It shows a real-time map of the night sky, and you can tap on stars and planets to learn more. Now I just need a telescope!
Ready for Your Surf Adventure?
Elana’s energy, surf coaching and yoga teaching make her a fantastic host. You can join her in Cornwall, Morocco, or Portugal on upcoming trips this September and October.
